Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Mississippi

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

You can’t operate your motorcycle or any other two-wheeled vehicle on state roads without properly registering and insuring it. If you need help with the definition of your vehicle or further information about its insurance requirements, please call (601) 420-6342.

• Motorcycles ―A motorcycle is any two-wheeled vehicle with a motor of 50 ccs or more. Motorcycles require registration and proper liability insurance.

• Mopeds/Scooters ―Mopeds and scooters generally have motors under 50 cc and in many states don’t require registration or insurance; in Mississippi, however, they require both if you plan to operate them on state roads.

Mississippi Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

Meeting the state’s minimum financial responsibility requirements is necessary to operate your motorcycle on state roads. To do this, purchase a liability insurance policy that provides:

• $25,000 per person per single accident

• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury

• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Take note that researching additional types of coverage will provide you with even more financial protection.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

No matter how much insurance you have, you must wear a helmet whenever you operate a motorcycle, moped, or scooter. The state requires your helmet to be one approved by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

You can prove financial responsibility with the valid insurance card your carrier issues you.

Unlike in some other states, you don’t have to show proof of financial responsibility when you apply for or renew your motorcycle registration. If a law enforcement officer pulls you over or you’re involved in an accident, you will need to show it.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Mississippi imposes harsh penalties for motorcyclists with no proof of insurance. A first-time offense brings a fine of $1,000 and a year-long registration suspension (operators can generally reinstate their registrations once they can prove financial responsibility); second-time offenses are even stiffer.

Contact the State Tax Commission’s Motor Vehicle Licensing at (601) 987-1212 for more information about liability insurance requirements and what to do to if your registration is suspended.